Meehan wants answer from Corbett

Pat Meehan told Pa.lotix this week that if the exploratory campaigns for himself and Tom Corbett go forward, the scope of their debate will have to expand beyond prosecution and ethics issues. That is especially true since the economy will surely test the next governor of Pennsylvania, just as it the major issue right now for Ed Rendell.

However, as a former U.S. Attorney, Meehan is acutely sensitive to issues involving Corbett's main job right now: Attorney General.

Meehan is now calling on Corbett today "to address allegations of pay to play with regards to pharmaceutical litigation handled on Pennsylvania's behalf."

A recent Wall Street Journal editorial reveals that you have enabled Governor Ed Rendell to assume certain of your authority to pursue healthcare fraud on behalf of Pennsylvania taxpayers. Governor Rendell entered into a contract with Texas trial lawyers to do this work, which is predominantly done by other state attorneys general in-house. Further, around that time, Governor Rendell accepted more than $90,000.00 in campaign donations from the same Texas lawyers raising concerns of a "pay to play" nexus.

I urge you to assert your power as Attorney General and take control of this case on behalf of taxpayers. Taxpayer dollars already underwrite a Medicaid Fraud Unit in your office. These lawyers should be in a position to pursue this litigation. By taking over this case from the Texas firm, the Commonwealth will be in the immediate position to realize the benefit of seven million dollars by settling with Eli Lilly, one of the defendants in this scope of litigation. This would be consistent with the actions of 35 other states. If for some reason you conclude that you will not undertake this responsibility yourself, then please state why you are unable to do so, and ask for proposals from Pennsylvania law firms to do the work.

Further, the allegations and insinuations in the media concerning the award of this contract are serious. Pennsylvania has long been plagued by a "pay to play" political culture that hinders our competitiveness as a state and undermines our citizen's trust in government. Rooting out corruption and reversing perception must be a priority. A full investigation should be conducted to determine whether anything improper or illegal has occurred in this matter. This review would concern determinations previously made by your office. Prudence would suggest that the investigation of relevant facts be conducted by an independent counsel, insulated from senior staff in your office, the governor's office and the Office of General Counsel. Please state how you would intend to have this accomplished.